Emrick Admits He Missed Holtby's Iconic Save From His Broadcast Spot
Doc Emrick said he could not see Braden Holtby's famous stop on Alex Tuch during Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. A standing crowd blocked his view from NBC's concourse position, so he made a cautious call while Pierre McGuire identified it as 'The Save' from center ice. Washington won that game and went on to capture its first Stanley Cup in five games.
Emrick, a Hall of Fame announcer, discussed the moment on Jeff Marek’s Hockey Lifers podcast. NBC placed him in the concourse rather than the press box, at the end away from Holtby’s net and near Marc-Andre Fleury’s. When the crowd stood, his sightline vanished.
During Game 2 of the 2018 final, Washington led by one late while trailing 1-0 in the series. Holtby stretched to deny Tuch. Pierre McGuire, stationed at center ice, immediately labeled it “The Save.” Washington won the game and the franchise’s first Cup in five games. Emrick later retired in 2020.
This revelation could affect how fans and aspiring broadcasters understand live sports calls, showing that even celebrated announcers may work from obstructed angles and depend on colleagues. It may deepen appreciation for production teams and for McGuire’s center-ice vantage point. Media observers might use it to discuss transparency and the collaborative nature of broadcasting. Ultimately, it could add context to a famous hockey moment without diminishing its drama.